Caribbean Green Seasoning Recipe

Zingy Caribbean Green Seasoning Recipe: Bring Island Magic Home

Vibrant herbs dance across cutting boards, bringing Caribbean green seasoning to life with bold Caribbean flavor.

Fresh ingredients burst with aromatic promise in this classic condiment.

Chefs and home cooks treasure this versatile blend for its intense, bright profile.

Fragrant herbs merge with garlic and peppers to create a sauce that sings with island spirit.

green onions, thyme, and cilantro form the backbone of this authentic mixture.

The rich combination delivers an explosion of taste that transports you straight to tropical landscapes.

You’ll want to drizzle this magical seasoning on everything from grilled meats to roasted vegetables.

Everything You Need for Caribbean Green Seasoning

Fresh Herbs:
  • Thyme: A classic Caribbean herb that adds deep, earthy flavor to the seasoning.
  • Culantro: A potent herb with a stronger taste profile compared to cilantro, common in Caribbean cuisine.
  • Cilantro: Provides a bright, fresh green note to the seasoning blend.
  • Parsley: Adds a mild, clean herbal undertone to the mixture.
Green Vegetables:
  • Green Onions, Scallions: Contribute a mild, sharp onion flavor with a fresh green element.
  • Garlic: Delivers a pungent, aromatic base that enhances the overall seasoning complexity.
Spicy and Aromatic Components:
  • Scotch Bonnet Pepper, Habanero Pepper: Introduces signature Caribbean heat and fruity pepper flavor to the seasoning.
  • White Vinegar: Helps preserve the seasoning and adds a tangy brightness.
  • Salt: Enhances and balances the flavors of all ingredients in the blend.

Equipment for Blending Caribbean Green Seasoning

  • Food Processor: Essential for blending all ingredients into a smooth, vibrant seasoning.
  • Sharp Knife: Perfect for roughly chopping herbs and vegetables with precision.
  • Cutting Board: Sturdy surface for preparing ingredients safely.
  • Measuring Cups: Helps ensure accurate proportions of herbs and vegetables.
  • Storage Container: Airtight jar or container for refrigerating or freezing the seasoning.
  • Spatula: Useful for scraping down sides of food processor and transferring seasoning.

How to Prepare Caribbean Green Seasoning at Home

Step 1: Gather Fresh Herbs and Vegetables

Collect a vibrant mix of fresh herbs like thyme, chives, parsley, and cilantro.

You’ll also need green onions, garlic cloves, and scotch bonnet or habanero peppers for that classic Caribbean kick.

Make sure all your ingredients are crisp and free from any wilting or brown spots.

Step 2: Clean and Prepare Ingredients

Thoroughly wash all herbs and vegetables under cool running water.

Gently pat them dry with clean kitchen towels.

Remove the stems from the herbs, creating a pile of fresh, leafy goodness.

Roughly chop the green onions, garlic, and peppers to help them blend more easily.

Step 3: Blend Into Magical Green Seasoning

Toss all prepared ingredients into a food processor or high-powered blender.

Add a splash of white vinegar to help bind the flavors and extend shelf life.

Pulse the mixture in short bursts, scraping down the sides, until you achieve a smooth, vibrant green sauce with a consistent texture.

Step 4: Transfer and Store

Pour the green seasoning into clean glass jars or airtight containers.

For maximum freshness, store in the refrigerator for up to one week.

If you want to keep it longer, transfer portions to ice cube trays and freeze for up to three months.

This way, you’ll have ready-to-use Caribbean flavor bombs whenever you need them.

Step 5: Enjoy Your Homemade Seasoning

Use this versatile green seasoning as a marinade for meats, a flavor booster for stews, or a zesty sauce for grilled vegetables.

Its bright, spicy profile will transform any dish with authentic Caribbean flair.

Tips for Balancing Caribbean Green Seasoning Flavors

  • Use the greenest, most vibrant herbs for the most intense flavor and brightest color in your seasoning.
  • Control the texture by pulsing less for a chunkier blend or more for a smoother sauce-like seasoning.
  • Freeze in small ice cube trays for convenient portioning and longer storage up to 3 months.
  • Add extra scotch bonnet or habanero peppers for a spicier Caribbean kick, adjusting to your preferred heat level.
  • Use as a marinade for meats, a sauce for grilling, or a flavor booster in stews and rice dishes.

Creative Variations for Caribbean Green Seasoning

  • Tropical Herb Fusion: Swap cilantro with Thai basil and add lemongrass for an Asian-inspired green seasoning with bright, zesty notes.
  • Low-Sodium Wellness Blend: Reduce salt content by using fresh herb combinations and adding a splash of lime juice for enhanced flavor complexity.
  • Vegan Power Marinade: Incorporate nutritional yeast and extra garlic for deeper umami profile suitable for plant-based protein marinades.
  • Mediterranean Herb Remix: Replace traditional Caribbean herbs with oregano, thyme, and rosemary for a European-inspired green seasoning perfect for roasted vegetables and grilled meats.

How to Use and Serve Green Seasoning

  • Fresh Herb Marinade Magic: Drizzle over grilled chicken, fish, or shrimp for an instant Caribbean flavor explosion that transforms simple proteins into zesty meals.
  • Sauce Superstar: Use as a vibrant dipping sauce for roasted vegetables, adding a bright, herbaceous kick to your side dishes with minimal effort.
  • Flavor Boost Technique: Stir a spoonful into soups, stews, or rice dishes to instantly elevate the taste profile with authentic Caribbean green seasoning depth.
  • Preservation Pro Tip: Freeze in small ice cube trays for convenient, portioned flavor bombs ready to enhance any quick weeknight cooking adventure.

Storing Caribbean Green Seasoning

  • Transfer green seasoning to a clean glass jar with a tight-fitting lid, ensuring no air enters. Seal carefully and store in the refrigerator for up to 7 days to maintain maximum freshness and flavor.
  • Pour seasoning into ice cube trays, freeze until solid, then transfer frozen cubes to a freezer-safe bag. Pop out individual portions whenever you need a quick flavor boost for up to 3 months.
  • Use a vacuum sealer to remove all air and prevent oxidation. This method extends the seasoning's shelf life and preserves its vibrant green color and intense taste.

FAQs

  • What are the main herbs used in Caribbean Green Seasoning?

The primary herbs include chadon beni (culantro), thyme, chives, and parsley, which create the distinctive bright green flavor profile of this traditional Caribbean condiment.

  • Can I substitute herbs if I can't find some of the original ingredients?

Yes, you can replace hard-to-find herbs with similar alternatives like cilantro instead of culantro, or add extra green onions if chives are unavailable. The key is maintaining a fresh, green herb combination.

  • How spicy is Caribbean Green Seasoning?

Typically, this seasoning has a mild to moderate heat level depending on the amount of hot peppers added. Most recipes use scotch bonnet or habanero peppers, which can be adjusted to personal heat preference.

Caribbean Green Seasoning What Sets It Apart

  • Packed with fresh herbs and aromatics, this Caribbean green seasoning delivers an incredible taste punch that transforms ordinary dishes into vibrant culinary experiences.
  • Quick to prepare with simple processing techniques, this versatile seasoning eliminates multiple chopping steps and provides an instant flavor enhancer for various recipes.
  • The ability to refrigerate for a week or freeze for months makes this seasoning a smart meal prep solution, allowing you to have gourmet flavor ready at a moment's notice.
  • Simple adaptable recipe lets home cooks adjust herb quantities and textures, making it perfect for personal taste preferences and experimental cooking styles.
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Caribbean Green Seasoning Recipe

Caribbean Green Seasoning Recipe


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4.6 from 10 reviews

  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Caribbean green seasoning brings bold flavor to numerous dishes from Trinidad and Tobago. Fresh herbs and spices combine for an authentic condiment that elevates meats, vegetables, and marinades with remarkable zest.


Ingredients

Scale

Fresh Herbs:

  • 1 bunch (3 ounces/85 grams) cilantro, leaves and stems
  • 1/2 bunch (2 ounces/57 grams) Italian parsley
  • 1 bunch fresh thyme leaves

Aromatics and Peppers:

  • 8 pimento seeds, crushed
  • 1 scotch bonnet pepper, seeded
  • 1 celery stalk with leaves
  • 1/2 red bell pepper, chopped
  • 8 garlic cloves, peeled
  • 6 green onions, chopped
  • 1 inch fresh ginger, peeled

Seasonings:

  • 3/4 cup (180 milliliters) fresh lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Meticulously pluck tender leaves from herb stems, discarding woody portions and roughly chop fresh vegetables into manageable chunks.
  2. Transfer all prepared ingredients into a food processor, securing lid tightly and pulsing in short bursts until achieving a vibrant, cohesive green mixture with slight texture.
  3. Transfer seasoning to clean, airtight glass container and refrigerate for optimal freshness, maintaining quality for approximately 7 days. For extended preservation, portion into ice cube trays and freeze up to 3 months, allowing convenient portioning for future culinary creations.

Notes

  • Select fresh, vibrant herbs for maximum flavor intensity.
  • Customize spice levels by adjusting hot pepper quantities for personal heat preference.
  • Use high-powered blender or food processor to create smooth, consistent green seasoning texture.
  • Freeze seasoning in small ice cube trays for convenient, portioned future use.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: None
  • Method: Blending
  • Cuisine: Caribbean

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 15
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 200 mg
  • Fat: 0 g
  • Saturated Fat: 0 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 4 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 1 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg
Marcus Reed

Marcus Reed

Founder & Food Content Creator

Expertise

Single-recipe development, Seasonal and local ingredient utilization, Food photography and styling, Culinary writing and content creation​

Education

Culinary Arts Certificate, Blue Ridge Community and Technical College, WV
Focus: Fundamentals of culinary techniques, emphasizing hands-on experience in small-scale kitchen settings.


Marcus’s story begins in Asheville, where good food and family kitchens shaped his earliest memories. After hands-on culinary training and a lot of trial (and a little error), he realized that real cooking isn’t about perfection, it’s about connection.
At Pan and Oven, Marcus crafts recipes that are easy to follow, packed with flavor, and built for real kitchens.

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